Improvements to a device and method for training, directing and repeating bat movements performed while batting

ABSTRACT

The improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action have been designed both mechanically and automatically. Mechanically, structural elements have been modified and incorporated in order to enable two players, alternately and independently from each other, to perform their work routines without varying the specifications established for each player in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, and to enable a left-handed batter and a right-handed batter to train in the same device and under their respective specifications without affecting each other&#39;s settings. Another object of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action is automatize the displacement of a ball from the carousel-basket to the contact area between the bat and the ball by incorporating mechanical and electronic elements.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following utility model discloses improvements to a device and method for training, directing and repeating bat movements performed while batting. These improvements consist of structural and technological modifications, implemented for using the device and method for training, directing and repeating the movements of the bat while performing the batting action with two sliding ramps simultaneously mounted on the same vertical axis or each ramp mounted on a respective vertical axis. It also discloses a device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action incorporating an automatic ball displacement system directed towards the point of contact with the bat, on the sliding ramp for left-handed batters or on the sliding ramp for right-handed beaters, thereby replacing the manual process of propelling balls from a basket towards the sliding ramps. This novel system incorporates a plurality of mechanical and automatic elements to cause the descent of balls from the carousel-basket, and subsequently towards the batting area in the respective sliding ramps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a wide range of instruments, devices, apparatuses and methods for training baseball and softball batters, and some of these batting devices are similar to each other, although the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action render this device and method markedly different from existing devices and offer several advantages.

Below are described some presently commercially available devices for training batting movements.

Patent of the Invention Titled Device and Method for Training, Directing and Repeating Bat Movements Performed while Batting

P2015-0160

Device and Method for Training, Directing and Repeating Bat Movements Performed While Batting has as its essential objective to direct the bat towards a solid and consistent encounter with the ball, capable of training, directing and repeating batting actions, from the action of loading to the action of a batter finishing a swing (batting action). It has a ramp or canal formed by an upper platform and a lower platform, each formed by two elongated smooth structures, each platform parallel to the other. In order to cause a natural or induced displacement of the ball, the sliding ramp is positioned in a descending angle from the end of the forward side of the batter to the backward side of the batter. Said ramp is fastened to a vertical axis, connected to a ground-level base, allowing the stability and safety of the training apparatus and its users. In its apex, the vertical axis supports a basket for baseballs. When pitched toward end B, the baseballs will slide inside the ramp until being in front of the bat, which penetrates end A.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,145 (A), dated on Jul. 11, 1995.

Method and Apparatus for Propelling an Object

Discloses a slingshot-type ball propelling apparatus including an elongated frame having a fork and trigger mechanism vertically adjustably supported at opposite front and rear ends thereof. A ball-carrying pouch is connected by stretchable tension members to the fork and may be pulled rearwardly to secure the ball within the set trigger mechanism. Upon release by the trigger mechanism, the ball is propelled forwardly from the apparatus. The trigger mechanism is preferably adjustable both vertically and transversely relative to the frame.

Japanese Patent JP2015008996 (A) Dated on Jan. 19, 2015.

Batting Practice Device.

Discloses a batting practice device covered by a net 60. A ball 58 is thrown towards an opening, crossing its whole length until reaching the opposite end of the opening, a pitching machine 61 disposed in the opposite end of the area where the batter is standing. The practicing batter is located in the end opposite to the ball throwing machine, and hits baseballs. The hit ball is automatically collected by a ball collecting canal 24. The ball is delivered to the pitching machine 61 and can be restarted. A hit ball trajectory regulation member 48 is height-adjustably disposed in an ascending angle towards the side of pitching machine 61 in the opening area, preventing the hit ball from striking the pitching machine 61.

US Patent US 20140323248 A1 Baseball Training Device

A portable training apparatus for assisting a user in developing ball batting skills is provided for use by either right- or left-handed batters. The apparatus releasably attaches to an existing structure, such as a chain-link fence. A post has a foot and a plurality of stabilizing members for attaching the post to a fence. A rotational means supplies the user a ball to hit.

US Patent US 2012172157 A1 Pro-Trainer

A training device consisting in a manual baseball or softball holder for assisting a batter in the learning of adequate batting movements, including a lightweight aluminum pipe having two ends, a handle for holding it in the hands, a rubber cover disposed around the first end of the pipe and a rubber cover in the second end, a movable simulation point elliptically disposed throughout the lightweight aluminum pipe, visually indicating the wrist position and the ball trajectory in the air when the contact is made.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action comprise the modification of the vertical axis by including seating plates on each side of its top end for fixating the left sliding ramp in one side and the right sliding ramp in the other side. A second vertical axis is also incorporated, for installing the left sliding ramp in the first vertical axis and the right sliding ramp in the second vertical axis. The existing sliding ramp is also modified together with its support plate, its top arm, its bottom arm, its upper platform, and its lower platform. The object is to enable players, alternately and independently from each other, to perform their work routines without varying the specifications established for each player in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, and to enable a left-handed batter and a right-handed batter to train in the same device and under their respective specifications without affecting each other's settings.

These improvements modify the existing vertical axis and the sliding ramp and incorporates a new vertical axis and a new sliding ramp with similar structural characteristics.

The two sliding ramps can be simultaneously mounted on the same vertical axis, or each sliding ramp can be mounted on separate vertical axes.

Improvements also comprise an automated process in which the balls are automatically displaced from a spiral-shaped carousel-basket and subsequently displaced to end B of the left-handed batters (BI) sliding ramp and the right-handed batters (BD) sliding ramp. The specifications of both sides are according to the stance taken by a batter. The term “left side” refers to a left-handed batter (BI) and the term “right side” refers to a right-handed batter (BD). The front side corresponds to end B, from the point where the ball starts its displacement toward the point of contact with the bat, while the rear side corresponds to end A, where the bat penetrates the sliding ramp.

The improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action have mechanical and automatic designs. The object of the mechanical designs is to enable players, alternately and independently from each other, to perform their work routines without varying the specifications established for each player in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action. The object of these modifications is to enable a left-handed batter and a right-handed batter to train in the same device and under their respective specifications without affecting each other's settings. Another object of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action is to automatize the process of displacing a ball from the carousel-basket to the area of contact between the bat and the ball, allowing a player to work individually, without needing another individual to draw the balls from the basket and launching them to end B of one of the sliding ramps. The sliding of balls will be automatic by incorporating a plurality of mechanical and/or electronic elements in these improvements. The balls will descend automatically from a spiral shaped carousel-basket towards a conveyance canal, formed by a master canal, a left lateral canal and a right lateral canal, and this design in the conveyance canal is accomplished by incorporating a deflecting element in the middle point of its length. The general conveyance canal is configured to function with a slightly descending slope of between 5 and 10 degrees from the expulsion ring of the carousel-basket to end B of the sliding ramp for left-handed batters, and to end B of the sliding ramp for right-handed batters. Ultimately, from this location the ball will be displaced to the point of contact with the bat. The balls will be aligned in a descending angle inside the carousel-basket, which has an expulsion ring in its bottom end to allow only one ball to exit to the conveyance canal.

Both the carousel-basket expulsion ring and the penetration ring of each upper platform comprise a diameter adjuster to allow the use of different diameter balls, retaining and releasing them in an efficient manner.

The end A of a stem is partially inserted in the expulsion ring, holding the balls inside the carousel-basket and releasing only one ball at a time. In one of the examples, the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, the portion corresponding to end B of the stem is adhered to the end A of a cable with its end B connected to an activating lever, which can be set in action by the batter or an assisting individual, as desired. In another example, end B of the cable can be connected to a timer to activate electronically or automatically the release of the balls, thus replacing the manual or mechanical use of the activating lever. The ends of the left lateral canal and the right lateral canal of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action can comprise respective visual or acoustic alarm electronic devices, thus informing the batter that a ball is approaching end B of its respective sliding ramp.

In another mode, the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action have a modified vertical axis for placing both sliding ramps; the left sliding ramp (56 i) is placed on the left seating plate, and this left seating plate is connected by means of brackets (96) to the upper left side of the first vertical axis (34).

The right sliding ramp (56 D) is placed on the right seating plate, and this right seating plate is connected by means of brackets (96) to the upper left side of the first vertical axis (34).

A second vertical axis (43) element can be incorporated to the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, the second vertical axis parallel to and separated from the first vertical axis (34) by a gap of 2 to 10 centimeters. Here, the left seating plate (75 I) is located in the upper end of the left side of the first vertical axis (34), while the right seating plate (75 D) is fixed or connected by means of brackets (93) to the upper end of the second vertical axis (43) right side.

The advantage of using two simultaneously placed vertical axes is that batters in both sides of the home plate can train alternately without needing to adjust the height and/or angle of the sliding ramp for each batter. In this manner, a batter in one side of the home plate can train without altering the training settings of the other side.

The advantage of incorporating seating plates (75) with brackets (93) connected to the first vertical axis (34) and to the second vertical axis (43) is that two batters, one of them left-handed and the other right-handed, can adjust the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action with the desired angles, without altering the training settings of the other side when batting alternately.

Below is an example of how the settings of the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action can vary from one batter to another.

-   1. If a right-handed batter 1.90 meters tall and a left-handed     batter 1.20 meters tall are performing their respective training     routines, or vice versa. -   2. The right-handed batter desires to adjust his swing at the waist     level and the left-handed batter desires to adjust his swing at the     knee level, or vice versa. -   3. The right-handed batter desires to train his swing at an angle     parallel to the ground, and the left-handed batter desires to train     his swing at a 120 degrees angle with respect to the ground, or vice     versa.

For a clear understanding of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, each improvement is specified as follows:

The first modification in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action using the regular basket comprises:

-   1. Modification of the first vertical axis by incorporating two     seating plates in the top end in its left side and right side. -   2. Incorporation of a second vertical axis, parallel to and     separated from the first vertical axis by a gap of 2 to 10     centimeters. -   3. A seating plate with its respective brackets in the apex of the     first vertical axis, for mounting the left sliding ramp support     plate. -   4. A seating plate with its respective brackets in the apex of the     second vertical axis, for mounting the right sliding ramp support     plate. -   5. Modification of the left support plate, for supporting extended     arms. -   6. Incorporation of a right support plate, for supporting extended     arms. -   7. Modification of the left upper arm of the left sliding ramp, for     using the whole left top platform, including its straight portion     and its curved portion.     -   The left top platform and the right top platform may also be         used incorporating only the curved portion in the top upper left         arm and the top upper right arm. -   8. Modification of the lower arm of the left sliding ramp. -   9. Incorporating a right sliding ramp with the same specifications     of the modified left sliding ramp.

The second modification in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action using the carousel-basket comprises:

-   1. Modification of the left sliding ramp upper platform by     incorporating it its end B a penetration ring with a diameter of 8     to 15 centimeters. -   2. Modification of the right sliding ramp upper platform by     incorporating it its end B a penetration ring with a diameter of 8     to 15 centimeters. -   3. Incorporation of a carousel-basket to arrange balls in a     descending angle, retaining them in its interior and releasing balls     one at a time through its expulsion ring. -   4. Incorporation of a conveyance canal. It has the purpose of     conveying balls from the carousel expulsion ring to each sliding     ramp. -   5. Dividing the conveyance canal in a master canal, a left lateral     canal, and a right lateral canal, for conveying balls to the left     side or to the right side of the device and method for training,     directing and repeating batting movements while performing the     batting action. -   6. A deflecting element, incorporated to the conveyance canal to     deflect balls to one of the lateral canals. -   7. Incorporation of a stem, for retaining and releasing the balls in     the carousel-basket expulsion ring. -   7. Incorporation of a cable for pulling and returning the stem. -   8. Incorporation of an activating lever to allow the player and/or     trainer to manually pull and return the stem to retain and/or     release the balls. -   9. Incorporation of a timer for electronically pulling and returning     the stem, to retain and/or release the balls. -   10. Incorporation of an acoustic or visual alarm device in the left     lateral canal to inform the left-handed batter that the ball is     arriving to the left sliding ramp. -   11. Incorporation of an acoustic or visual alarm device in the right     lateral canal to inform the right-handed batter that the ball is     arriving to the right sliding ramp. -   12. Incorporation of two emitters of acoustic or visual signals to     inform the batters that the balls are arriving to their respective     sliding ramps. -   13. Incorporation of diameter adjusters to enable training with     differently sized balls. -   14. Incorporation of brackets in the vertical axes for allowing the     sliding ramps to be adjusted in similar or different manners for     left-handed batters and right-handed batters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action have been designed both mechanically and electronically. Mechanically, the modifications are in the first vertical axis (34) with a left seating plate (75 i) connected to brackets (93) in the left side of the upper end (34 A) of vertical axis (34) and a left seating plate (75 D) connected to brackets (93) in the right side of the upper end (34 A) of vertical axis (34).

Another improvement is the simultaneous use of a first vertical axis (34) and a second vertical axis (43), parallel to each other and separated by a gap of 2 to 10 centimeters. Also are incorporated a left seating plate (75 i) for the first vertical axis (34) and a second seating plate (75 D) for the second vertical axis (43), for simultaneously mounting two sliding ramps on the same vertical axis, or mounting each ramp on its respective vertical axis to enable players, alternately and independently from each other, to perform their work routines without varying the specifications established for each player in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, and to enable a left handed batter and a right handed batter to train in the same device and under their respective specifications without affecting each other's settings.

Other elements that have been modified in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action using the basket (96) are: the left sliding ramp (56 i), including a left support plate (38 i), an upper left arm (48 i), a lower left arm (50 i), an upper left platform (53) and a lower left platform (54 i).

Other mechanical and automatic elements incorporated as improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action enable the automatization of the process for displacing a ball from the carousel-basket (97) to the area of contact between the bat and the ball (85), a contact to be made in end A of both the left sliding ramp (56 i) and the right sliding ramp (56 D). This allows a player to work individually, without needing another individual to draw balls from the basket and launching them to end B of one of the sliding ramps.

The improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action using the carousel-basket (97) also comprise: a penetration ring (37 I) in the left upper platform (52) of the left sliding ramp (56 i), a right penetration ring (56 D) in the right upper platform (25) of the right sliding ramp (56 D), a conveyance canal (57), a deflecting element (73), a stem (69), an activating cable (67), an activating lever (77), a left acoustic or visual alarm element (81 i) for left-handed batters, a right acoustic or visual alarm element (81 D) for right-handed batters, and a timer (83). Also are incorporated a diameter adjuster (89) for the expulsion ring (53) of the carousel-basket (97), a diameter adjuster (89) for the left penetration ring (37 i) of the left upper platform (52), and a diameter adjuster (89) for the right penetration ring (37 D) of the right upper platform (25).

The diameter adjusters consist in conical arcs 3 cm high, 11 cm wide in their outer surface and an 8 cm diameter in their inner surface. The diameter adjuster (89) of the expulsion ring will function to reduce its inner space, allowing the stem (69) to retain balls with diameters of 6 and 8 cm and thus prevent an uncontrolled release of balls from the expulsion ring (53) to the conveyance canal (57). The purpose of the diameter adjusters (89) of penetration rings (37) of the sliding ramps (56) is to centralize the entry of balls to the sliding ramps (56) in their respective ends B.

This is to accomplish the automatization of the process of displacing a ball from the carousel-basket (97) to the area of contact between the bat and the ball (85), allowing a player to work individually, without needing another individual to draw the balls from the basket (96) and launching them to end B of one of the sliding ramps.

The improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action also comprise arranging balls to form a spiral in the carousel-basket (97) and their subsequent displacement to end B of the left sliding ramp (56 i) or to end B of the right sliding ramp (56 D), respectively for left-handed batters (BI) and right-handed batters (BD).

Below are the Specifications of Some Figures of the Improvements in the Device and Method for Training, Directing and Repeating Batting Movements while Performing the Batting Action.

FIG. 1 presents the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, using basket (96) to store balls with a single vertical axis (34) and other modified elements in the left side, and then incorporated to the right side.

FIG. 2 presents the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action using basket (96) to store balls, improved with a first vertical axis (34), a second vertical axis (43) and other modified elements in the left side, and then incorporated to the right side.

FIG. 3 presents the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, simultaneously using the first vertical axis (34) and the second vertical axis (43), with other modified elements in the left side, and then incorporated to the right side.

FIG. 4 presents the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, simultaneously incorporating the first vertical axis (34) and the second vertical axis (43).

The same FIG. 4 presents the first vertical axis (34) with a left seating plate (75 i) and a right seating plate (75 D). FIG. 5 presents the first vertical axis (34) with its left seating plate (75 i) connected to brackets (93), and FIG. 6 presents the second vertical axis (43) with its right seating plate (75 i) connected to brackets (93).

FIG. 7 presents the left sliding ramp (56 i) with the left support plate (38 i) and modified left upper arm (48 i) and left lower arm (50 D). The left upper arm extension (28 i) is not shown.

FIG. 8 presents the right sliding ramp (56 i) with the right support plate (38 i) and modified right upper arm (48 i) and right lower arm (50 D). It does not present the right upper arm extension (28 i).

The purpose of the full configuration of the left upper arm (48 i) and the right upper arm (48 D) is to work on the batting to force a ball to exit from the left (56 i) and right (56 D) sliding ramps in a plane parallel to the ground, especially when using a batting net in front of the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action. The purpose of disconnecting the upper left arm (28 i) component and the upper right arm (28 D) component is to allow a ball to freely exit from the left sliding ramp (56 i) and right sliding ramp (56 D), especially when training in an open field or in a batting cage.

Disconnecting the left upper arm (28 i) component simultaneously disassembles the straight portion (52 B) from the left upper platform (52), and only the left sliding ramp (56 i) curved portion (52 A) remains installed in the left upper arm (48 i).

Disconnecting the right upper arm (28 D) component simultaneously disassembles the straight portion (25 A) from the right upper platform (25), and only the right sliding ramp (56 D) curved portion (25 B) remains installed in the right upper arm (25).

FIG. 11 presents the left upper arm (28 i) extension, and FIG. 12 present the right upper arm (28 D) extension.

FIG. 22 shows the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action with basket (96) mounted on the upper end (34 A) of the first vertical axis (34).

FIG. 23 shows the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action with basket (96) mounted on the upper end (43 A) of the second vertical axis (43).

FIG. 24 shows the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action incorporating the design of a basket (96) and other modified mechanical elements incorporated to its structure.

FIG. 25 shows the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action incorporating the carousel-basket (97), conveyance canal (57), deflecting element (73), timer (83), the left upper platform (52) and right upper platform (25) modified by inserting a penetration ring (37) in each platform. Also shows the two acoustic or visual signal emitters (79) for each penetration ring of both platforms, and also shows the coupling rings (71) of the conveyance canal (57); also identifies the three diameter adjusters (89) to be respectively located in the expulsion ring (53) of the carousel-basket (97), the penetration ring (37) of the left upper platform (52) and the penetration ring (37) of the right upper platform (25). Finally, ends A and B are indicated.

FIG. 26 shows the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, and identifies the stem (69), activation cable (67), activating lever (77), timer (83), pin (97 A) of the carousel-basket (97), and finally presents upper end (34 A) of the right sliding ramp (56 D).

FIG. 27 shows the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, identifying the path of the ball from the expulsion ring (53) of carousel-basket (97) to the point of contact (85) between a ball and the bat for a right-handed batter in the right sliding ramp (56 D).

FIG. 28 shows the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, identifying the path of the ball from the expulsion ring (53) of carousel-basket (97) to the point of contact (85) between a ball and the bat for a left-handed batter in the left sliding ramp (56 i).

The purpose of integrating this plurality of elements to the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action is having to manipulate only the deflecting element (73) to direct a ball towards the left sliding ramp (56 i) or the right sliding ramp (56 D) when two batters on different batting sides are training.

The carousel-basket (97) is a circular container formed by a canal shaped as a half circumference, generally describing a spiral where 5 to 50 balls 7.2 cm wide (used for baseball) or 5 to 40 balls 11 cm wide (used for softball) can be placed and aligned in a descending slope. The structure of the carousel-basket (97) is 40 cm wide and 40 to 65 cm high. It is located in the apex (34 A) of vertical axis (34), or optionally in the point where the apexes (34 A) of the first vertical axis (34) and the second vertical axis (43) are joined. This carousel-basket (97) has a pin (97A) in its lower end to be coupled inside the upper end of vertical axis (34) or coupled to the apex of the union of the first vertical axis (34) and the second vertical axis (43).

The carousel-basket (97) is formed by a canal 3 to 3.5 cm long. The carousel-basket (97) has an expulsion ring (53) in its lower part; this expulsion ring (53) has an orifice partially penetrated by a stem portion (69) to retain balls inside the carousel-basket (97). When the stem (69) releases a ball retained in the expulsion ring (53) of the carousel-basket (97), the ball will be automatically displaced to the expulsion ring (53). A 2 cm stem portion (69) will penetrate the expulsion ring (53) to retain balls inside the canal of the carousel-basket (97), and an activating lever (77) or timer will withdraw the stem portion (69) from the expulsion ring (53), releasing one ball at a time. This end A of stem (69) will penetrate the expulsion ring (53), while end B will be connected to an activating cable (67) which will contract to activate the exit of balls and will expand to hold the balls inside the carousel-basket (97). End B of the activating cable (67) is connected to an activating lever (77), directly operated by the hands or feet of the batter, and can function automatically when incorporating a set of electronic elements such as a timer (83) in the expulsion ring (53); this timer (83) is connected to end B of activating cable (67), or directly installed in the expulsion ring (53) of carousel-basket (97); this timer (83) will synchronously activate the release of one ball at a time every given period.

Moreover, the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action also incorporate a general conveyance canal (57), which conveys balls from the expulsion ring (53) of carousel-basket (97) to the penetration ring (37) located in end B of the left sliding ramp (56 i) or end B of the right sliding ramp (56 D). The general conveyance canal (57) is formed by a master canal (57M) 30 to 40 cm long, 12 cm wide and 6 cm deep, a left lateral canal (57 i) 30 to 40 cm long, 12 cm wide and 6 cm deep, and a right lateral canal (57 D) 20 to 30 cm long, 12 cm wide and 6 cm deep.

The master canal (57 M) begins with a coupling ring (71) in its end A inserted in the outer part of expulsion ring (53) of the carousel-basket (97) and ends in the deflecting element (73). The left lateral canal (57 i) has an end A where the deflecting element (73) is positioned, and its end B ends in a coupling ring (71) inserted in the outer surface of the penetration ring (37) of the left upper platform (52) for left-handed batters, while the right lateral canal (57 D) has its end A where the deflecting element (73) is positioned, and its end B ends in a coupling ring (71) inserted in the outer surface of penetration ring (37) of the right upper platform (25) for right handed batters.

The deflecting element (73) of conveyance canal (57) is a bar 12 to 15 cm long, which deflects balls towards end B of the left sliding ramp (56 i) or right sliding ramp (56 D). Both the penetration ring (37) of left upper platform (52) and the penetration ring (37) of right upper platform (25) can comprise a left acoustic or visual alarm device (79 i) and a right acoustic or visual alarm device (79 D) which emit a signal informing the batter that a ball is approaching the left sliding ramp (56 i) or right sliding ramp (56 D), as determined by the position of the batter.

The balls aligned in the canal inside the carousel-basket (97) will exit the expulsion ring (53) of carousel (97) and will cross a 30 to 40 cm distance through the master canal (57M) until arriving to the point where the deflecting element (73) is located. From this point and until the penetration ring (37) of left upper platform (52) the ball will cross a 30 to 40 cm distance, while the distance crossed by the ball from the deflecting element (73) to the penetration ring (37) of right upper platform (25) is 20 to 30 cm. Both the expulsion ring (53) of the carousel-basket (97) and the penetration rings (37) of each upper platform can comprise a diameter adjuster (89) to allow the use of different sized balls, and to retain and release them in an efficient manner.

When optionally incorporating a second vertical axis, the sliding ramp for left-handed batters (56 i) and sliding ramp for right-handed batters (56 D) will be respectively mounted on the first vertical axis (34) and the second vertical axis (43). The first vertical axis (34) and second vertical axis (43) have each two or three brackets (93) connecting the seating plates (75) of both support plates (38 i and 38 D). These brackets (93) serve as height adjusters of each sliding ramp, independently from each other.

The vertical axes are parallel and separated by a 2 to 10 cm gap. These improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action enable batters on both sides of the home plate to train alternately without altering the height or slope settings for the sliding ramp of each batter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 presents an isometric perspective of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, configured with a single vertical axis.

FIG. 2 presents an isometric perspective of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, configured with two vertical axes.

FIG. 3 presents an isometric perspective of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, with modified and dually integrated components.

FIG. 4 presents an isometric perspective of the vertical axis with two integrated seating plates.

FIG. 5 presents an isometric perspective of the seating plates of the vertical axis for the left sliding ramp, including brackets.

FIG. 6 presents an isometric perspective of the vertical axis with the right seating plate for the right sliding ramp, with their respective brackets.

FIG. 7 presents an isometric perspective of the left sliding ramp.

FIG. 8 presents an isometric perspective of the right sliding ramp.

FIG. 9 presents a front view of the left sliding ramp.

FIG. 10 presents a front view of the left sliding ramp.

FIG. 11 presents an isometric perspective of the mobile component of the left upper arm of the left sliding ramp.

FIG. 12 presents an isometric perspective of the mobile component of right left upper arm of the right sliding ramp.

FIG. 13 presents a rear view of the left sliding ramp.

FIG. 14 presents a rear view of the right sliding ramp.

FIG. 15 presents an isometric perspective of the straight portion of the left upper platform.

FIG. 16 presents an isometric perspective of the straight portion of the right upper platform.

FIG. 17 presents an isometric perspective of the curved portion of the left upper platform.

FIG. 18 presents an isometric perspective of the curved portion of the right upper platform.

FIG. 19 presents an isometric perspective of the left lower platform.

FIG. 20 presents an isometric perspective of the right lower platform.

FIG. 21 presents a front view of the logo of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action.

FIG. 22 presents a rear view of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, with a basket in the first vertical axis.

FIG. 23 presents a front view of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, with a basket in the second vertical axis.

FIG. 24 presents a rear view of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, with its parts identified.

FIG. 25 presents an isometric perspective of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, with components for automating the displacement of a ball.

FIG. 26 presents a front view of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action.

FIG. 27 presents a right-side view of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action.

FIG. 28 presents a left-side view of the improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action.

ACCORDING TO FIGS. 2, 3 AND 25, BELOW IS PRESENTED A NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TRAINING, DIRECTING AND REPEATING BATTING MOVEMENTS WHILE PERFORMING THE BATTING ACTION Example 1

Dimensions of the left seating 10 × 30 cm plate (width × height) Dimensions of the right seating 10 × 30 cm plate (width × height) Dimensions of the left support 50 cm plate (upper width, 40 cm lower width, height) 30 cm Dimensions of the right support 50 cm plate (upper width, 40 cm lower width, height) 30 cm Length of the first vertical axis 100 to 122 cm Diameter of the first vertical axis 2 to 7.5 cm Length of the second vertical axis 100 to 122 cm Diameter of the second vertical axis 2 to 7.5 cm Gap between the first vertical axis 2.0 to 10 cm and the second vertical axis Height of the carousel-basket 40 to 65 cm Diameter of the carousel-basket 40 cm Length of the master canal 30 to 40 cm Width of the master canal 12 cm Length of the left lateral canal 30 to 40 cm Width of the left lateral canal 12 cm Length of the right lateral canal 20 to 30 cm Width of the right lateral canal 12 cm Diameter of the expulsion 12 to 15 cm ring of the carousel Diameter of the coupling ring 12 to 15 cm of the left lateral canal Diameter of the coupling ring 12 to 15 cm of the right lateral canal Length of tubular element 3 140 to 170 cm of the left upper platform Diameter of tubular element 3 1 to 4 cm of the left upper platform Length of the straight portion of tubular 110 to 140 cm element 3 of the left upper platform Length of the curved portion of tubular 30 to 50 cm element 3 of the left upper platform Radius of the curve of tubular element 3 30 to 40 degrees of the left upper platform Length of the tubular element 5 140 to 170 cm of the left upper platform Diameter of the tubular element 5 1 to 4 cm of the left upper platform Length of the straight portion of tubular 110 to 140 cm element 5 of the left upper platform Length of the curved portion of tubular 30 to 50 cm element 5 of the left upper platform Radius of the curve of tubular 30 to 40 degrees element 5 of the left upper platform Length of tubular element 3 140 to 170 cm of the right upper platform Diameter of tubular element 3 1 to 4 cm of the upper right platform Length of the straight portion of tubular 110 to 140 cm element 3 of the right upper platform Length of the curved portion of tubular 30 to 50 cm element 3 of the right upper platform Radius of the curve of tubular 30 to 40 degrees element 3 of the right upper platform Length of tubular element 3 140 to 170 cm of the right upper platform Diameter of tubular element 5 1 to 4 cm of the right upper platform Length of the straight portion of tubular 110 to 140 cm element 5 of the right upper platform Length of the curved portion of tubular 30 to 50 cm element 5 of the right upper platform Length of the left upper arm 20 to 30 cm Length of the left lower arm 20 to 30 cm Length of the right upper arm 20 to 30 cm Length of the right lower arm 20 to 30 cm Radius of the curve of tubular element 5 30 to 40 degrees of the right upper platform Distance from tubular element 3 to tubular 2 to 5 cm element 5 of the left upper platform Distance from tubular element 3 to tubular 2 to 5 cm element 5 of the right upper platform Length of the activating cable 50 to 100 cm Diameter of the activating cable 0.75 to 1 cm 

1. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action, characterized by the modification of a plurality of mechanical elements; a first vertical axis (34) including a left seating plate (75 i) and a right seating plate (75 D); a sliding ramp (56) and its support plate (38), upper arm (48), lower arm (50), upper platform (52) and lower platform (54). These modified elements are incorporated to a left sliding platform (56 i) and dually incorporated to a right sliding platform (56 D). Also are incorporated in another design and configuration a plurality of mechanical and automatic components as improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action: a carousel-basket (97), a conveyance canal (57), a stem (69), an activating cable (67), an activating lever (77), a timer (83), two acoustic or visual alarm elements (79), a deflecting element (73), two brackets (93) and three diameter adjusters (89).
 2. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by a modified vertical axis (34) incorporating a left seating plate (75 I) located in the upper end left side (34 A) and a right seating plate (75 D) located in the upper end right side (34 A).
 3. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by simultaneously incorporating a first vertical axis (34) and a second vertical axis (43).
 4. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by the incorporation of a left seating plate (75 i) connected to the upper end left side (34 A) of the first vertical axis (34) by two brackets (93).
 5. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating a right seating plate (75 D) connected to the upper end right side (43 A) of the second vertical axis (43) by two brackets (93).
 6. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by the modification of the left support plate structure (38 I) shaped as a parallelogram and dimensions of 50 cm wide in its upper end, 40 cm wide in its lower end and 30 cm high; the incorporation of a second support plate (38 D) shaped as a parallelogram and dimensions of 50 cm wide in its upper end, 40 cm wide in its lower end and 30 cm high.
 7. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by a modified left upper arm (48 i) formed by two integral bars 20 to 30 cm long in its left side and two composite bars formed by two pieces, each 10 to 15 cm long, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the left support plate (38 I); also incorporating a right upper arm (48 D) formed by two integral bars 20 to 30 cm long in its right side of and two composite bars formed by two pieces, each 10 to 15 cm long, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the right support plate (38 D).
 8. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by a modified left lower arm (50 I) with three bars with a length of 20 to 30 cm parallel to each other and perpendicularly connected to the left support plate (38 I), and incorporating a lower right arm (50 D) with three bars with a length of 20 to 30 cm parallel to each other and perpendicularly connected to the right support plate (38 D).
 9. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by a modified left upper platform (52) structure divided in a straight portion (52 B) with a length of 90 cm and a curved portion (52 A) with a length of 60 cm.
 10. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating the right upper platform structure divided in a straight portion (25 B) with a length of 90 cm and a curved portion (25 A) with a length of 60 cm.
 11. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating a spiral shaped carousel-basket (97) ball container located in the upper end of the first vertical axis (34), located in the upper end of the second vertical axis (43), or located in the point uniting the upper end (34 A) of the first vertical axis (34) and the upper end (43 A) of the second vertical axis (43).
 12. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating a conveyance canal (57), subdivided in a master canal (57 M), a left lateral canal (57 I) and a right lateral canal (57 D), wherein the master canal (57 M) is connected by means of a coupling ring (71) to the expulsion ring (53) of the carousel-basket (97).
 13. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by including a deflecting element (73) in the conveyance canal (57) located in the end of the master canal (57 M).
 14. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating a left lateral canal (57 I) from the deflecting element (73) of the conveyance canal (57) to the penetration ring (37 I) of the left upper platform (52).
 15. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by including a right lateral canal (57 D) from the deflecting element (73) of the conveyance canal (57) to the penetration ring (37 D) of the right upper platform (25).
 16. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating a penetration ring (37 I) in the left upper platform (52) and a penetration ring (37 D) in the right upper platform (25).
 17. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating an activating lever (77) placed 5 cm under the upper end (34 A) of the first vertical axis (34), or placed 5 cm under the upper end (43 A) of the second vertical axis (43).
 18. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating a stem (69) located in the expulsion ring (53) of the carousel-basket (97).
 19. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating an activating cable (67) connected in its end A to a stem (69) and its end B connected to the activating lever (77).
 20. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating a timer (83) in the expulsion ring (53) of the carousel-basket (97).
 21. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by including an acoustic or visual alarm device (79) in the penetration ring (37 I) of the left upper platform (52) and an acoustic or visual alarm device (79) in the penetration ring (37 D) of the right upper platform (25).
 22. Improvements in the device and method for training, directing and repeating batting movements while performing the batting action according to claim 1, characterized by incorporating a diameter adjuster (89) in the expulsion ring (53) of the carousel-basket (97), another diameter adjuster (89) in the penetration ring (37 I) of the left upper platform (52) and a diameter adjuster (89) in the penetration ring (37 D) of the right upper platform (25). 